World Reviewer rating

Worth a trip

Rating 3.4 (145 votes)

Syria

Syria is ideal for anyone interested in history and traditional culture. Arriving in Damascus, visitors may feel like they’ve travelled back in time as they walk through the walls of the city, complete with turrets and towers. The walls aren’t meant to keep travellers out, but they may have helped keep parts of traditional Middle Eastern culture in.

The traditional souks - the bustling market places where bargaining is an art and a good deal is the ultimate prize - are far more crowded than the modern shopping centres with both locals and visitors alike. The ancient mosques aren’t just tourist attractions either; they’re crowded with worshippers and afford the perfect opportunity for visitors to become more familiar with the culture. The strong sense of tradition comes along with some fascinating archaeological and historical sites ranging from the dead cities to the ruined city of Palmyra.